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Man and the Biosphere Program

Biosphere Reserves, also know as the Man and the Biosphere Program, are internationally recognized areas where management seeks to achieve sustainable use of natural resources while ensuring conservation of its biological diversity. For more information, UNESCO created this What is a Biosphere Reserve introduction video.

Welcome to the Isle Royale National Park International Biosphere Reserve

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Man and the Biosphere at Isle Royale

The Isle Royale Biosphere Reserve was established in 1980. It is a remote island archipelago, situated in the northwestern portion of Lake Superior, Michigan. The park offers outstanding possibilities for research in a remote ecosystem where human influences are limited. In this respect, Isle Royale is world renowned for its long-term wolf (Canis lupus)/moose (Alces alces) predator/prey study.

Timber harvest of white pine (Pinus strobus) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) for syrup has occurred in the past. Acid rain as well as high levels of PCB's in the lakes may have severe impacts on the natural ecosystems. An atmospheric monitoring station is situated within the national park.

All biosphere program members in the US including the national parks are under review to determine if the current reserve will be included in the future Man and the Biosphere program. Isle Royale is in the process of documenting the park's engagement in sustainable initiatives and assessing the park's local interactions under new program guidelines. To learn more, UNESCO created this Man and the Biosphere video.